Sport

SPEEDWAY: No Robins return for Stead

SWINDON boss Alun Rossiter has confirmed the club have released 2012 Elite League-winning team member Simon Stead.

Rossiter and co-promoter Gary Patchett have worked though numerous permutations as they look to make a strong title defence next year, and Stead’s departure is one of the toughest decisions they have taken.

Rossiter said: “It’s never nice to tell a rider he’s not required for next year, especially one who has been loyal to the club as Simon has been, but we have decided to go in a different direction with our team-building.

“I would like to thank him for his services to Swindon over the last four years, and we hope he’ll get fixed up elsewhere quickly.

“We’ve already had other clubs on the ‘phone enquiring about him and we wish him all the very best. It was a very difficult decision especially after the way we won the Grand Final, but these things do happen in speedway.”

Meanwhile, the Robins have taken another major step forward with team planning for the defence of their Elite League title by snapping up talented youngster Nick Morris.

And the Excalibur Communications Robins have splashed the cash to make Morris a full asset after agreeing a deal with former Glasgow promoter Stewart Dickson.

It's a signal of intent and ambition from club bosses who rate Morris highly. He is also expected to double-up with a Premier League club.

Rossiter said: "This is great news for the club and Nick told us he wanted to stay before he went back to Australia.

"We are delighted to welcome him back in 2013 as a fully fledged Swindon asset and he is part of the future of this club."

Morris joins Peter Kildemand as a confirmed starter for the champions and the club are hoping to unveil a further addition to the side in the near future.